Doctor
Comfort Djan is looking for salvation after a tragic accident, which takes
her to deprived regions where her skills heal the helpless. Until Fate
thrusts her as a medic on board a West African military coastal protection
ship. Proving herself to the male-only crew is nothing compared to being near
one intense naval officer who has her feeling something other
than her survivor's guilt.

Commander
Akin Solarin wants nothing more than to do his job, especially when his medic's
temporary replacement turns out to be a disconcerting woman who
pushes all his buttons. He runs a tight ship, and doesn't need captivating
and efficient yet aloof Comfort around to keep his heart-rate in
semi-permanent overdrive.

Neither
can deny the attraction between them, but navigating uncharted personal waters
may be the least of their problems when confronted with bold pirate attacks and
other vicious unknown dangers onboard the frigate. And when Comfort's life gets
on the line, Akin knows he will do anything to save his medic and heal her
battered heart in the process.

Akin
and Comfort hadn’t spoken since his gruff greeting when he’d escorted her
to the dining hall after work. Not a word during the meal. And yet giddiness
threatened to make Comfort giggle for no damn reason when they reached the
deck. What was it about Akin that being with him made her feel alive? He was a
man, nothing more or less. A big brutish one who commanded with fierce
determination and knew how to push her buttons. Yet he’d also shown an
empathetic and gentle side. At least toward her, she doubted his men ever saw
that aspect of him.

She
tipped her back and rotated. “There are so many stars in the sky?”

He
caught her by the shoulders when she stumbled. The warmth from his large hands
didn’t linger long enough before he pulled them away.

“This
is far enough. Don’t get close to the rail.” His deep voice sounded near her
ear, sending tingles down her neck. “We don’t want to lose you to the sea. The
presence of no lights other than from us, means we can see more stars.”

Glimmering
lights overtook the midnight blue dome she normal noticed when she made an
effort to observe the night sky. This was different. Even the moon had its own
gloriousness. She’d never seen anything more stunning in her life.

She
blinked back the burn of tears as she angled her shoulders to look up at him.

Bending
his knees he came closer to eye level with a deep grove between his eyes.
“What’s wrong, princess?”

Her
stomach flipped at the endearment. Clearing her eyes, she swiped the back of
her hand at the moisture which had escaped. “It’s so damn beautiful.”

Rising
to his full height he nodded. “It certainly is. The combined vastness of the
sea and sky makes you realize how insignificant we really are.”

She
stared upward. This time she backed into his chest and leaned on the strength
he provided. His warmth seeped into her and she never wanted to leave the
sanctuary of his body. When had she ever felt so safe? So connected? They
stayed glued together even when a guard patrolled past.